No place like home

4 May 2023

Currently available in Victoria and Western Australia, the service supports mothers and families to be at home whilst receiving postnatal care and breastfeeding support.

“Visiting families in their home is such a privilege. The immediate postnatal period is a vulnerable time of a family's life. I love being there to guide, encourage and provide reassurance,” Lara said.

“A home visit feels as though you have completed the circle of new life from a midwifery aspect, it is incredibly wholesome.”

Lara, who is based in Geelong, has always wanted to be a midwife and said a lot of people don't realise the varying roles they do.

“I was a high school student when I first learnt about the role of a midwife. I knew from that day on I was going to pursue a career in midwifery,” she said.

“I think people are often surprised by how large a midwives scope of practice is and that women are cared for by a midwife during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postpartum period.”

As Lara reflects on her time at St John of God Health Care she said her most memorable moment came within two days of working at St John of God Healthcare at Home.

“I had the pleasure of working alongside one of St John of God Health Care's longest employed nurse/midwives, Annie,” she said.

“Annie shared some of her experiences with me as we drove all around Geelong visiting families. She was so welcoming and kind to me as a new employee and her passion and pride for her role after many years was very aspirational.”

We thank and celebrate the excellent midwives we are fortunate enough to have as caregivers at St John of God Health Care as part of International Day of the Midwife on 5 May.